Stage 1 · Lesson 2 of 7
Ask "what", not "why"
When something goes wrong, most of us ask "why": why did I react like that, why can I not focus, why am I like this? Eurich's research suggests "why" questions often lead to going round in circles, because we invent a neat story and then believe it.
"What" questions work better: what was I feeling just before that, what situations make this happen, what would I like to do differently next time? They keep you curious and point to action. For example, instead of "why am I so lazy?", ask "what was I avoiding, and what made it feel hard?".
Common trapmistaking long, painful thinking about yourself for insight. If you have thought about the same question for weeks without anything changing, change the question.
A question to check yourself and an AI practice session come when you add the roadmap to your account. Add it
Resources for this stage
Start with
- GuideFreeGreater Good in Action (UC Berkeley)
Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley
Short, research-based reflection practices from UC Berkeley you can try in ten minutes
Practise
Keep handy
Also worth your time
Struggling right now? If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact local emergency services or a crisis line: Find a helpline (any country), Umang (Pakistan), Tele-MANAS, 14416 (India).